Julien-Francois Gerber's article 'Gross National Happiness (GNH) Bhutan' offers a comprehensive exploration of the concept of GNH and its distinguishing features. Gerber defines GNH as a state of deep happiness that is attained when the basic needs of all individuals, both inner and outer, are met. The article highlights that GNH encompasses nine dimensions, including living standards, education, health, environment, community vitality, time-use, psychological well-being, good governance, and cultural resilience and promotion. This multi-faceted approach differentiates GNH from traditional notions of development, making it a sustainable and transformative alternative.
The article emphasizes the contrast between the growth-centric, industry-focused approach of modern development and the nature-centric, happiness-centric values inherent in Bhutan's historical context. While Bhutan has long been known for its environment-friendly practices, diversified primal culture, and organic agriculture, the modern concept of GNH emerged in the 1990s as an alternative to the negative effects of Indian neoliberalism. GNH, seen as a post-development approach, seeks to address both the external and internal aspects of human existence, including psychology and spirituality. By exploring the inner secrets of human well-being, GNH aims to uncover real needs, fulfillment, false consciousness, and social conditions.
The agents of GNH are the people of Bhutan themselves, who are committed to realizing the vision of happiness. Gerber highlights various transformative initiatives undertaken by Bhutan, such as free education and healthcare, strict cultural norms, constitutional mandates for forest cover, land distribution for landless farmers, no WTO membership, no advertising, heavy taxes on car imports and the promotion of organic agriculture et cetera which truly inwardly pleasing to all people. Due to these features of the its vision, it is quite different, sustainable and transformative than other concepts of development. Through these initiatives, GNH aims to foster a society that prioritizes well-being, cultural heritage, and ecological harmony over blind pursuit of economic growth.
In summary, Gerber's article presents a thought-provoking analysis of GNH as a sustainable and transformative approach to development. By focusing on the comprehensive well-being of individuals and communities, GNH diverges from traditional models and emphasizes happiness, cultural preservation, and ecological harmony. This exploration of Bhutan's journey towards GNH offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in alternative approaches to development that prioritize the genuine flourishing of individuals and society as a whole.
Reference:
Gerber, J. F. (2019). Gross National Happiness (GNH) Bhutan. Pluriverse: A Post-Development Dictionary. F. & Acosta, A. (eds.). New Delhi, p. 194-197
